Food manufacturers are recalling several types of pre-packed sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major supermarkets because of possible contamination with E. coli.
E. coli bacteria have not been detected in the products but they are being recalled as a precaution. It is understood these are products containing salad leaves.
Retailers involved include Aldi, Asda, Co-op and Morrisons.
Some 211 people are known to currently be affected by E. coli – up from 113 last week.
At least 67 people have been admitted to hospital, the UK Health Security Agency says.
Experts had previously said an on-going outbreak of E. coli was linked to food that was widely and readily available.
One of the suppliers involved, Greencore Group, has recalled 45 different products so far.
Products include an Aldi chicken fajita triple wrap, Amazon BLT sandwich, Asda smoky beans and cheddar cheese wrap, Asda chicken salad sandwich, Boots chicken salad sandwich and an Amazon prawn layered salad.
Other manufacturers are also preparing to announce separate recalls.
Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said:
“This is a complex investigation, and we have worked swiftly with the relevant businesses and the local authorities concerned to narrow down the wide range of foods consumed to a small number of salad leaf products that have been used in sandwiches and wraps.”
He added: “Infections caused by [E. coli] STEC bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhoea and, in some cases, more serious complications.
“We therefore advise any consumers who have any of these products not to eat them.”
Andrew Opie, at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Retailers affected are taking swift action to remove these products from sale and are working closely with the Food Standards Agency to take any further action needed to minimise risk to their customers.”
The full list of Greencore products can be found here, external.
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